DANVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) - When it comes to skateboarding, Brooke Johnson is as steady as they come. But the reason behind her ride is something that shook her world.

She recently lost her stepdad, a blue-collar man who worked hard, gave selflessly, and never let the job come before his family.

“He sold doors for a living and worked until the day he passed away,” Brooke said.

About a year ago, he broke his C5 vertebrae, paralyzing him. Even while in the hospital, unable to move, she says he never gave up hope.

“I know it was hard on everybody, but I’m going to get through this, and I’m going to do my best to walk,” Roger, her stepdad, said while in the hospital after his fall.

Despite the vow, those were some of his final words. He died just days later.

That’s why Brooke skateboarded alo

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